Port of Savannah Sees Record Cargo Volumes Amid Tariff Uncertainty

SAVANNAH, Ga. (AP) — The Port of Savannah has emerged as one of the top U.S. container ports, experiencing its second-busiest year ever in fiscal 2025 due to retailers’ rush to stock up ahead of expected tariffs on imports. Georgia officials announced that the port moved a remarkable 5.7 million container units of imports and exports by the end of June 2025, marking an 8.6% increase from the previous fiscal year.

Growth Driven by Tariff Concerns

This surge in cargo volume is largely attributed to the uncertainty surrounding trade policies, particularly since President Donald Trump returned to office in January with promises of imposing heavy tariffs on goods from China and other trading partners. Despite experiencing significant growth during the spring, container volumes took a downturn in June, reflecting the unpredictable nature of Trump’s tariff tactics.

“It’s just going to be this very up-and-down time until things get settled,” said Griff Lynch, CEO of the Georgia Ports Authority. He emphasized that Trump’s recent trade deal with the European Union could be a positive step toward achieving stability.

Performance Compared to Other Ports

The Port of Savannah ranks as the fourth-largest U.S. seaport for container shipping, handling vast amounts of goods including consumer electronics and frozen food items. In comparison, the Port of Los Angeles reported its busiest June on record, with 10.5 million container units processed—a 14% increase from the previous year. Similarly, the Port of New York and New Jersey also saw a rise in container volumes, recording a 6.5% increase from January to May.

Short-Term Gains Amid Long-Term Uncertainty

According to the National Retail Federation, a downturn in cargo volumes can be expected from August through November as businesses brace for the impact of new tariffs. Gene Seroka, executive director of the Port of Los Angeles, described the current market as experiencing a “whipsaw effect” where shipping volumes fluctuate dramatically in response to tariff announcements.

Future Outlook for the Port of Savannah

At the Port of Savannah, container volumes peaked significantly, especially in March, with a 22.5% increase noted for that month alone. However, the trend saw a decline in June, with volumes dropping by 9.6% in comparison to the previous year. Nearby, the Port of Brunswick reported a decrease of 2.2% in automobile shipments, attributed to the impact of tariffs on auto imports.

Looking ahead, Lynch indicated that cargo volumes remained flat in July and anticipates another decline in August. However, he remains hopeful that stabilizing tariff policies will lead to a normalization of trade.

“If they can nail these tariffs down, we’ll get back to normal trade,” Lynch stated optimistically.